NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers still want to trade for Hawks forward!

The ongoing offseason saga surrounding restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga has reached a stand-still. Despite the Cleveland Cavaliers removing themselves as a potential suitor after acquiring Peyton Watson via sign-and-trade, Kuminga and his representation remain locked in a stagnant search for an expansive free-agent offer sheet that the current market simply cannot support.

At present, Kuminga’s realistic avenues have narrowed down to two distinct scenarios: securing a multi-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers via a complex sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks, or accepting a short-term, minimum-scale contract to join the Minnesota Timberwolves.

According to an analysis by Kurt Helin of NBC Sports, negotiations between Los Angeles and Atlanta have resumed with a new financial blueprint. However, structural hurdles on both sides continue to delay a final resolution.

The Financial Pivot: Swapping Vanderbilt for Hardy

Previous sign-and-trade discussions between Los Angeles and Atlanta stalled primarily due to salary cap constraints. The Hawks sit approximately $3.8 million below the luxury tax line and are unwilling to absorb incoming long-term payroll without substantial draft compensation.

To bridge this financial gap, trade talks have shifted toward substituting Jarred Vanderbilt ($12.4 million salary) with guard Jaden Hardy ($6.0 million salary). Hardy’s lower cap hit presents a far more manageable figure for Atlanta's front office.

Jaden Hardy’s Contract & Production Profile:
• 2026–27 Salary: $6.0 Million (Includes Team Option for 2027–28)
• Per-Game Metrics: 9.2 PPG | 1.5 RPG | 42.4% FG | 39.7% 3PT
• Operational Value: Functions as an expiring contract or a cost-controlled asset

Because Hardy holds a team option for the 2027–28 season, acquiring him provides Atlanta with a low-risk, high-efficiency perimeter shooter who can either be retained or allowed to hit free agency next summer.

Roster Congestion and the Third-Team Requirement

Even with Hardy substituted into the trade matrix, both franchises face severe roster depth limitations. Atlanta currently carries 17 players under contract heading into training camp and must shed roster spots to reach the league-mandated 15-player limit

Unless a third team steps in to absorb secondary contracts—such as Hardy or additional draft assets—Atlanta has minimal incentive to execute a direct swap that exacerbates their roster crunch.

The Executive Verdict

For the Lakers, acquiring the 23-year-old Kuminga offers an athletic, high-upside forward to insert into their starting lineup alongside Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. However, with Kuminga's agency reluctant to commit to a mandatory three-year sign-and-trade framework and Atlanta guarding its luxury tax line, negotiations remain stalled. Until Kuminga's camp aligns its contract expectations with current market realities, this transactional standoff will persist as training camp approaches.

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